Woman 'dug' nails and infected reveller's arm in robbery

Tom Tuite

A woman allegedly "dug" her fingernails into a reveller's arms, causing an infection, during a street mugging in Dublin.

Diane Travers, 32, of no fixed abode, was refused bail when she appeared at a weekend sitting of Dublin District Court.

Garda Shane McConkey said the accused was charged with a robbery on Sycamore Street, Dublin 2, on May 31st last.

He objected to bail and stated that at around 3.15 am, the injured party was on his way home after socialising in the city centre. He turned onto Sycamore Street when he was allegedly pursued by a male, and the accused. The male punched him in the back of the head, causing him to become disorientated.

The pair then wrestled him into a doorway before another male became involved, and they threw him to the ground.

The complainant dropped his iPhone 15.

One of the male robbers picked it up as Ms Travers allegedly "dug her nails into his forearm and attempted to pull his watch off of his wrist."

The garda stated that this caused the man extreme pain.

"He attempted to fight back but was overwhelmed when the third male then returned and helped pin him on the ground."

It was alleged that the three suspects then rooted through his pockets.

The man shouted for help and the trio fled when several members of the public approached.

The court heard there was a bid to use his bank card, which had been in his phone case, in a shop at O'Connell Street. However, the transaction did not go through as he had already frozen his account.

It was claimed the man suffered bruising to both his elbows, scrapes to his right forearm, and deep nail marks on his wrist and left bicep.

He went to a doctor the following day and needed a tetanus shot due to the deep nail marks on his arms becoming infected.

Judge Conneely heard the man was put on antibiotics for several days. He also missed work due to his injuries and the psychological effects.

CCTV footage was obtained.

Defence counsel Kevin McCrave submitted that she could be released with conditions, however, the application was denied.

Legal aid was granted to Ms Travers who will appear again next week.

She has not yet indicated a plea with a decision awaited on whether she will be tried in the District Court or the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.